HudsonAlpha - Research Associate II - Myers Lab

Overview

Position: Research Associate II - Myers Lab

Job Type: Full-Time

Institute Overview

The Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world s leading science and technology parks, Hudson Alpha s campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine.

Department Overview

Dr. Richard M. Myers is a Faculty Investigator and Chief Scientific Officer of the Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology. His laboratory uses genomic, genetic, molecular biology, and cell biology approaches to study problems in human neurobiology and gene regulation on a genome-wide level. We especially seek to understand how germline and somatic DNA sequence variation, epigenetics, and the environment affect the levels of transcription of genes in cell-type specific manners in the human nervous system.

We focus on normal, healthy brain function as well as diseases, including Huntington disease, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, psychiatric disorders, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often in the context of differential responses to therapeutic agents. In addition, we work on neuropsychiatric disorders, and with Dr. Greg Cooper s lab at Hudson Alpha, on understanding the causes and mechanisms of unexplained diseases in children.

Our experimental and computational work include genome-scale analysis of cis-acting regulatory sequences, DNA binding proteins and epigenetic action involved in human gene regulation and disease, as well as the development of molecular biomarkers for early detection and monitoring of diseases relevant to neuroscience.

While not required, subject area familiarity and/or interest in genetics, genomics, neuroscience, neuropsychiatric diseases, and/or neurodegenerative diseases is desirable. Project areas include study of gene regulation for genes implicated in normal human biology as well as disease, novel analysis approaches for associating genetic variation with gene expression, and genome-wide approaches relevant to disease as well as genome function in the brain more broadly.

Position Summary

This Research Associate (RA) position is in the Myers Lab supporting genomics research projects in a variety of basic and applied areas, including global genomic assays and functional characterization. The activities of the RA include: molecular techniques including restriction digests, ligations, annealing, gel electrophoresis, quantification of nucleic acids, bacterial cloning, nucleic acid extractions; mammalian cell culture using fully consented cell lines;

preparation of samples for next-generation sequencing; and other cellular and molecular biology protocols. This position requires exacting attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.

The Research Associate carries out research protocols as determined by the Principal Investigator. The Associate follows procedures exactly as outlined, ensuring the consistency of research practices and, ultimately, helping ensure the consistency and integrity of project outcomes. The Associate also provides feedback in the case that procedures are not producing expected results.

The Research Associate must understand laboratory procedure and safety. In addition to a general knowledge of the overall objectives of the research project, the Associate must have an understanding of the tactical methodology in particular. The Associate works under the direction of a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, research assistant with supervisory responsibilities, senior scientist, or the lab Principal Investigator, communicating progress and advising of any issues that arise.

The Associate must be…